Now Commenting On:

Tateyama lands Minors deal, invite to spring camp

Tateyama lands Minors deal, invite to spring camp

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have signed right-handed reliever Yoshinori Tateyama to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training.

Tateyama has pitched in 53 games for the Rangers over parts of the past two seasons and is 3-0 with one save and a 5.57 ERA. He pitched in 14 games for the Rangers in 2012 and was 1-0 with a 9.00 ERA.

Tateyama, who turns 37 on Wednesday, became a free agent at the end of the season when the Rangers declined to exercise a mutual option. Over the past two seasons, Tateyama has allowed 8.1 hits, 2.5 walks and 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings.

Tateyama joins a growing list of non-roster bullpen candidates who have signed Minor League contracts. The list also includes right-handers Collin Balester, Jacob Brigham, Randy Wells, Evan Meek and Johan Yan, and left-hander Neal Cotts.